Why This Is a Great Time to Buy a Used Minivan, Wagon, or Convertible

Sales of used SUVs and trucks are up from years previous, and these vehicles are in hot demand right now. Rather than compete to buy a car most other buyers want, there has never been a better time to consider indulging in that convertible you’ve always wanted. Or if you’re one of the people in the world who can’t even imagine owning a minivan, you might just want to give one a whirl anyway. Minivans are typically luxurious, comfortable, and come loaded with features that will make you feel spoiled. On the other hand, wagons can be a great alternative to SUVs if you are looking for cargo space and performance, and they often are more fuel-efficient. As your used car dealer in Louisville, we have a few tips on how to find a used car with less competition from other buyers.

Which Cars Are in High Demand

It’s not unusual for SUVs and trucks to be in high demand at dealerships. They have been popular for years, and now their prices are rising due to the number of buyers who want them. Certain types of vehicles are hard to find right now, and when they are available they go quickly and for higher prices. Trucks and SUVs are in the highest demand in the used car market right now, with vans close behind SUVs. By far, trucks are the most desirable vehicle in the market today. Stories from buyers who lost deals on trucks because they dared to wait or saw a vehicle online and went to view it in person to have it already sold on arrival are all too common. Sedans are also moving quickly on car lots at dealerships, which can be frustrating if you really need a car right now.

Cars With Least Change in Price Demand

According to Car Gurus, trends for major brand vehicles have gone up between $3,000 to 4,000 since April of 2021, and the numbers keep climbing. Expect any used car you buy to be more expensive, but there are specific brands that have seen less of a price increase than others. While people flock to dealerships for used vehicles, surprisingly, the luxury brands are showing the least amount of price change. Major brands like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and GMC are all trending close to 40 percent higher than average, while luxury brands like Acura, BMW, and Mercury have only risen by less than 20 percent.

When looking at the data for vehicles by body style, wagons are seeing the least change in price at about 15 percent. Next are the minivan and convertible at about 20 percent. By comparison, pickup trucks are the highest with a price change of almost 45 percent since last year, and SUVs are next in line for price at almost 32 percent. Looking at these numbers, buyers in the market for a used car would find less competition when buying a minivan, wagon, or convertible because demand isn’t as high, and prices are lower in comparison to most other vehicle types.

Vehicle Options to Look for at the Dealership

If you are willing to consider a wagon or minivan instead of an SUV, you are more likely to find a vehicle for a lower price. Minivans often have more interior space for cargo and often drive with a luxury car feel in comparison to an SUV. It’s worth giving a minivan a test drive just to see how it feels, especially when you discover all the convenience features minivans offer. Top minivans like the Toyota Sienna and the Honda Odyssey are widely considered two of the best in the market for reliability and interior comfort, and they tend to last for many years. Other brands to consider are the Kia Sedona, Nissan Quest, and Chrysler Pacifica, with Chrysler as an overall brand seeing the least price change of the brands listed here.

Wagons can be a great alternative to SUVs, especially if you’re looking for the interior cargo space and capability most like an SUV. A benefit of a wagon, however, is that it drives and rides more like a car and gets better gas mileage. The Acura TSX, Subaru Outback, and Mercedes Benz E350 are all wagons that are reliable, perform well in adverse weather, and provide excellent safety features. Each of these brands falls within the range of vehicles that will have lower prices and less competition to buy. Other wagons like the Subaru Impreza, Volvo XC70, and Buick Regal TourX are also valid options if you’re willing to try a wagon in place of a more expensive SUV. Keep in mind that several of these choices are built by luxury brands and will have more upscale interiors and conveniences, which is always a plus.

Convertibles are another option with less competition as a used vehicle, and they can make great daily drivers if you commute alone. Imagine how much more fun your drive to work will be if you can put the top down and enjoy the beautiful weather to and from work! It might make you want to take the scenic route, and there’s no better way to start and end your workday than in a sporty convertible. You have the choice of a large number of convertibles in the used market, but those that perform well and will have better pricing include the Fiat 124 Spider, Audi A5 Cabriolet, and the Mazda Miata. Budgets for these convertibles as a used vehicle might surprise you; if you shop well, you may find prices below $25,000 for models less than five years old.

How to Snag a Used Car Deal

Shopping online is a great way to find vehicles in today’s market, and we make sure to keep our online inventory as up-to-date as possible. You can easily search through our inventory using our various filters until you are left with vehicles that have the features and prices you want. Or mix it up and see what surprises our inventory may have in store for you. You might be surprised by how much you like a vehicle outside of what you were initially looking for.

If you locate a vehicle you are interested in test-driving, don’t wait. Call the dealership right away to ask us about it. We can get you set up with a test drive and answer any questions you may have. Come prepared to buy if you think you might be interested because inventory is still moving fast, even if you are buying a more uncommon vehicle type. You don’t want to lose a car that meets your needs because of small things like paint color or styling and then be stuck without a vehicle because you wanted to wait to think about it for too long.

There are lots of used vehicles waiting for you, and an open mind is your best means for discovering a car you will enjoy. Be willing to try vehicles you might not usually consider, and you may find a new world of driving that brings you more pleasure than you might expect. If you aren’t sure what to look at, stop by our dealership, and our team will listen to your needs and help you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you are sure to love.